Wildcats shutout Southern Lee, advance to fourth round

Thursday

New Hanover's Sergio Quintrero scores the only goal in a narrow third-round victory

Reed Franck believes the New Hanover defense can post a shutout every time it steps onto the field.

The senior center back and the Wildcats did just that Thursday to keep their season alive.

New Hanover absorbed what felt like non-stop pressure from Southern Lee in the third round of the NCHSAA 3A Playoffs, but one goal from Sergio Quintero was enough as the top-seeded Wildcats advanced with a 1-0 victory over the Cavaliers.

"We showed a lot of grit," said New Hanover head coach TJ Rennie. "That team was quick. They played quick and put us under a lot of pressure. To not give up a goal, I think is pretty darn impressive."

New Hanover (15-3-2) had just one shot on target Thursday, but the Wildcats made it count.

With just over three minutes remaining in the first half, New Hanover earned a free kick about five yards outside the box. Tenneyson Wnek faked like he was going to take the free kick but ran down the left edge of the box instead.

Anthony King passed it to a wide-open Wnek, who stretched the defense and supplied a low cross into the center of the box. It found Quintero, who was able to smoothly guide the ball into the back of the net.

"I was just looking at the space and looking for the opportunity to kick (the ball). That's when it happened," Quintero said.

Quintero is New Hanover's back-up striker, but he was called on to a bigger role Thursday when Landon James went down with a leg injury midway through the first half. James was the second starter forced to miss time in this game, as defender Selden Baldwin was out with an injury from the start.

As for the goal, Rennie said the free kick was a play the Wildcats have practiced throughout the season, not knowing when they would get the opportunity to put it into play or even if it would be successful.

On Thursday, it was all the difference.

"I just had to make a wide run so I make sure I can get the ball in," Wnek said. "Anthony is the one who has to make the decision, and if someone in the wall is following me he can shoot. He made a really good call."

After the goal, No. 8 Southern Lee continued to intensify its pressure across the field. The Cavaliers (17-5) pressed every New Hanover pass and pushed defenders high up the field in search of a goal.

The Wildcats held firm, though, and goalie Al Cavagnaro only had to make two saves on the evening. New Hanover will host No. 12 Chapel Hill in the fourth round Saturday at Legion Stadium.

Still, it was a stressful game for the Wildcats, and Rennie echoed that sentiment after the match.

"Hang on for dear life at times," he said. "(Southern Lee) was really, really good, to be honest. Probably the best team we've played all year."

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